Balance & Dizziness Center

The goal of the Pacific Balance and Dizziness Center is to eliminate or decrease the symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, and to improve your balance to maximize level of function and resume normal activities.

Ear Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest specializes in services for treating vertigo, physical therapy and diagnostic services for balance and dizziness impairments, functional mobility assessments, strength and balance testing and more. Procedures are listed in detail below.

Certified Physical Therapist in Vestibular/Balance Rehabilitation

Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest has certified physical therapists to administer specific exercise programs to eliminate dizziness and any unbalanced experience due to failure in the vestibular system.

Screening and diagnostic services for dizziness and balance impairments

A team of audiologists and physical therapists may perform various diagnostic tests such as videonystagmography, electrocochleography, or auditory brainstem response. Other screening and diagnostic services may be available for specific dizziness or balance impairments.

Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of movement in the body or environment when no movement actually occurs. Vertigo may lead to feelings of dizziness, nausea, or instability. Some causes of vertigo include inner ear disorders, such as Meniere's disease, injury to the ear or head, decreased blood flow through the arteries that supply blood to the base of the brain, or occasionally migraine. Audiologists at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic of the Northwest have the ability to perform almost all needed testing to diagnose and treat vertigo.

Functional mobility assessment

A physical therapist can perform a functional mobility assessment. These assessments will ask the patient to perform a normal gait, sit and stand, turn from side to side and reach for items off of the floor.

Strength testing or screening

After administering a strength test, a physical therapist can design an exercise plan to bring strength back to normal as soon as possible after surgery or injury. Also, a physical therapist can educate the patient on how their home setting can be changed to best allow for easy living and independence during rehabilitation.

Computerized Balance Testing

There are several methods that a physician may use to determine the cause or source of dizziness or balance problems. Electronystagmography measures the response of the balance portion of the inner ear. Posturography measures the ability of a patient to use the balance portion of the inner ear, position sensors in the muscles and joints as well as their vision to maintain balance. When weakness in any of these three areas is detected, a physical therapy program is prescribed to correct or compensate for the weakness.